Whilst checking over the exi before the Summer season I noticed what I thought was a small fatigue crack on the steering arm at the front. On removal and further inspection it became clear that both sides were suffering the same fate...fatigue crack from the cyclic nature of steering forces flexing the bracket, causing the crack. The drivers side was not too deep, the passenger side has fractured through to the mounting hole. I am now going to see about repairs / reinforcement and also ask Marlin if they have a replacement / upgraded part.

I strongly suggest owners with this setup at the front check too....don't want a failure whilst driving.